Protected by Light

“Let us put on the armour of light” (Rom. 13:12) counsels the wise Apostle Paul. Feeling vulnerable to the influences of sin? Perhaps you are presently under an outright attack by evil. Did you go further than you ever dreamed you would? Well, Commander-in-Chief Jesus urges us to put on the “armour of light” for protection against the onslaughts of sin, wickedness, and evil. What is this armor? It is the protection of a holy lifestyle deeply rooted in true Christian character. Practicing righteousness provides protection against the powerful influences and attacks of wickedness. When Christian soldiers don the armor, we are prepared for the daily assaults that will ensue, alert to the enemies’ strategies, and equipped for victory in each conflict (Ephesians 6:14–18). Yes, godly, upright, Christ-honoring living will protect us from enslavement to sin, regrets for needless failures that could have been avoided, and sinful behaviors against our holy and loving Lord Jesus.

Casting off the “works of darkness” (Rom. 13:12) should include, but is not limited to, discarding elements in our entertainment, reading, and media life. All of these venues feed the human heart/mind and Satan sets himself in battle array to capture our minds at all costs (2 Cor. 4:4; 10:3-6). For some casting off the “works of darkness” may involve changing the nature of a friendship because it repeatedly leads to sin and moral failures. For others it may have a great deal to do with defiling their bodies, the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:12-20). Think about your habits, dependencies, sexuality, and propensities…. Let us be brutally honest with ourselves here—no games. Is there a substance we need to cast off? Is there a relationship that must be radically changed or broken? Are we surfing websites that are lewd and pornographic? Are we being seduced to be unfaithful to our spouse through social media? Is social media consuming you causing you to neglect family relationships and vital responsibilities? Are you designing and scheming to seduce another?

Beloved, we who are of the Light, must live like people of light to enjoy the protection light provides. It is not by playing with fire that we avoid being burned. Neither is it through drinking poison that we can prove God can protect us from its impact. We have a God-given responsibility in this matter! With the proper gear we can survive in potentially deadly environments. Scuba divers survive underwater because they have the right equipment that enables them to breathe under water. By putting on the armor of light, by the grace of God, we will survive and even thrive in the Lord! I know we are in this wicked world and temptations assault us on every hand. For now, it is still safe enough in this world as long as this world is not in us (Jn. 17:14-19). It is perfectly find for a boat to be in the water, but you are in grave danger when there is water in your boat. When this happens to us, we are going down! I am simply saying if there is water in our boat, start bailing it out through confession, repentance, and cleansing through the blood of Christ (1 Jn. 1:5-2:2). Bail it out…pump it out now—you are in a state of emergency! This of necessity requires that we repent and forsake known sins while living righteously with genuine commitment (2 Pet. 3:14; 1 John 2:28; cf. Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:8–10; Heb. 12:1, 14; James 1:21; 1 Pet. 2:1; 4:1–3). Invite God the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh and control your thoughts, desires, and actions. Yield your body to Him as His instruments of righteousness (Rom. 6:12-18) and do right until the stars fall. When we do so we will enjoy the protective shield of living in the Light (John 12:36; Eph. 5:8, 14; Col. 1:12; 1 Thes. 5:5; 1 John 1:7; 2:10). With consistent and continuous application we will eventually enjoy a greater quality of life. Free of overwrought remorse and regrets, and filled with the peace and power of God’s brilliant-life-altering Presence. May you be absolutely blessed as you choose this; may you always glorify Jesus Christ in the light.